PC and Console Gamer's Holiday Guide 2012: PC

We're all PC gamers at heart, though some of us just don't realize it yet. PC game embody the full spectrum of gamers, from independent titles to the biggest of blockbusters, from first person shooters to massively multiplayer role-playing games, from casual gamers to the hardest of the core -- there's room for everyone. As befits such a video game wilderness, only the strongest of games survive and prosper. Luckily, this year there was a generation of PC titles that will be remembered for years to come... or at least until next year when another generation of great games is released.

"ArenaNet kept Guild Wars waiting a long time, but as the saying goes, anything worth having is worth waiting for. Guild Wars 2 lives up to this sentiment in every way, and while it’s a far cry from the game that started it all back in 2005, this game is nothing short of revolutionary – a much needed breath of fresh air to a stagnating genre characterized by a distinct lack of innovation."

"Borderlands 2, sequel to the blockbuster cooperative first-person shooter, is an epic yet ultimately conflicting experience. Never has there been made a game that exudes such charm and humor as Borderlands 2. It's obvious Gearbox went to significant lengths to polish and improve the aesthetic and personality from the first title. Perhaps this is best shown through what must be hours and hours of wonderfully staged dialogue and character animation. Complimentary to that, the overarching story's writing is markedly improved, and that stands for the dozens of side quests that can and will devour hours of playtime, too. Without a doubt, Gearbox has created a world in Borderlands 2 that players can truly feel invested in."

"What The Walking DeadEpisode 1 has done well is simple: it introduces and covers all the basics for a promising five episode season. There's action, there's puzzles, there's consequence to decisions, there's interpersonal relationships – friends and enemies alike – and of course there's a horde of zombies waiting to eat you if you make a mistake."

"Heroes in Pandaria aren't simply born, they're leveled. No panda babies here, we're talking about those charming World of Warcraft starting areas, bite-sized leveling areas designed to warmly embrace new players, welcoming them to the setting before spitting them out into cold level-grind from 10-90. Since the Cataclysm expansion's 'reboot,' starting areas in World of Warcraft have stepped up in quality and scale, introducing an amount of story, a feeling of adventure, and helping players through levels 1-10 (give or take a few) without it becoming a grind prematurely. After leaving the island, players are on their own, but at least they go out feeling like they have a place in the world."

"The Diablo III available now was first displayed in 2008, and to say fans were shocked at what was shown is a severe understatement. Reinvention may be an over-exaggeration, but the new Diablo III was and is a vastly different experience than its predecessors. Attitude, atmosphere, play style and customization, everything from Diablo II was washed clean and rebuilt from the ground up. Is the new take refreshing, reinvigorating, or outright sacrilege? What are Blizzard's intentions, making such a drastic departure from such a popular and well-regarded formula?"

"The first Duels installment was rough around the edges to say the least, but seemed to prove a big enough success to warrant a much needed overhaul in 2012. 2013 operates nearly identical to that version in terms of user interface, modes (Campaign, Challenge, Multiplayer), and functionality; the main draw here is new decks and a new mode."

Honorable Mentions:

I second BL2. It's on sale for a bit on Steam (BL1 GOTY is 50% off right now on Steam, at $15). I expect they'll both get bigger discounts on a certain day during this sale period.

I think these gift guides should be changed a bit (obviously a bit late now, but in the future as a consideration I have a suggestion). Exclusives only in an article with a specific platform in mind, and another article for multi-platform games.

I think these gift guides should be changed a bit (obviously a bit late now, but in the future as a consideration I have a suggestion). Exclusives only in an article with a specific platform in mind, and another article for multi-platform games.

It's a good idea, even if in this list, there's only 1 multi-platform game.

I own Guild Wars 2, Borderlands 2 and Diablo 3, and I must say, my holiday season is looking quite good

Crusad3r - Just a clarification, but there are two on the list. The Walking Dead is available on the PC, PS3, and 360. Borderlands 2 is available on those, plus Mac. Mind, Mac = PC, just not a Windows PC XD Oh, and The Walking Dead is also compatible with Mac computers too, it seems.